Wow! My local newspaper has come out swinging with a scoop, revealing plans for the “biggest solar power plant in the Southern Hemisphere” on 40ha of land owned by a local. It will be “capable of powering a small city.” It’s power will be fed into the otherwise gas and coal-powered grid.

And… it is virtually next door to me. In Wanneroo, Western Australia, where I live. So, will that mean future reprieve from 27% per year domestic grid energy price rises?

The $200 Million dollar project is now subject of a feasibility study. No details are yet available whether it would be a solar PV plant or solar thermal. But I intend to update you regularly.

How will that square with the Australian federal Government’s announcement of the world’s largest solar thermal power plant by 2001? This one will have an output of 1000 megawatts for a AUS$1.4 billion investment?

Great developments in our fossil fuel-constrained world.

One thing though… Have you considered the hook and the resilience of replicating centrally-based large power plants? Some wholly privately owned or in public-private arrangements?

First, the hook. Again you will be shackled to a power grid and waiting victim for any price rises companies and governments will inflict on you. Power costs will continue to rise because of carbon credits and the cost of fossil fuels.

How to wriggle off that hook?

The alternative is living off grid. Or at least supplementing your grid-fed power with your own solar hot water, solar PV panel or wind generator. Also by using power-efficient appliances. And lastly, but first on the list, reduce your energy use. Change your habits.

Till the next development in Wanneroo… Your local reporter!!!